10 Ideas To Utilize

Instagram For the NWS

1. Promotion of a Safety Message

ExamplePhoto Comment

As the weather heats up and you head on the lakes this weekend, be sure to have a safety plan and take precautions from the weather.

#Weather#Heat#WaterSafety#Lake

2. Utilize a “Fan Photo of the Week”

ExamplePhoto Comment

Our fan “photo of the week” is from XXXXX (@SOMENAME) who provided this great shot of the Sioux Falls Riverway. If you have a photo you’d like to share, please send them to us!

#photo#SiouxFalls#NoFilter

3. Highlight the Occasional Office Feature

ExamplePhoto Comment

Ever wonder what the inside of our radar looks like? Here’s your chance. Did you know the radar dish has a diameter of over 7 feet!?!

#Science#Radar#Weather#Technology

4. Highlight Beauty Around Us Or Other Areas

ExamplePhoto Comment

You may know what our radar looks like from the outside, but here’s a picture of the radar tower in Minot, ND. This radar platform stands at least 15 feet taller than the radar in Sioux Falls.

#Science#Radar#Weather#Technology

5. Show Quantified Data (To a Degree) (Example 1)

ExamplePhoto Comment

Ready for a #hot and #humid day? Heat index values may turn dangerous by this afternoon!

#Weather#HeatSafety

**Important to keep word usage on the graphic to a minimum, allow the image to stand out

5. Show Quantified Data (To a Degree) (Example 2)

ExamplePhoto Comment

It’s a beautiful forecast as we head through the upcoming weekend.

#Weather#HeatSafety

**Important to keep word usage on the graphic to a minimum, allow the image to stand out

6. Show Current Weather/Radar (loop even)

ExamplePhoto Comment

We’re continuing to watch storms late this afternoon. Be weather ready and alert if a warning is issued for your area.

#Weather#radar#thunderstorms#WeatherSafety

6. Show Current Weather/Radar (Example 2)

ExamplePhoto Comment

We’re starting out Friday very warm, but cooler air is lurking over southern Canada.

#Weather#muggy#CoolerWeather

7. Use an Image to Tell a Story (Example 1)

ExamplePhoto Comment

#Lightning can be deadly. With storms expected later today, if you hear thunder go indoors!

#Weather#thunderstorms#WeatherSafety

7. Use an Image to Tell a Story (Example 2)

ExamplePhoto CommentHave you ever experienced large hail? Take a look at an example of hail damage when that hail is accompanied by strong winds. Well, very large hail is a big risk later today. IF a warning is issued, stay away from windows!

#Weather#thunderstorms#WeatherSafety

8. Highlight a Current Event or Hazard

ExamplePhoto CommentAre you ready for cooler weather? Frost is likely tonight. Be sure to protect those tender plants not suited for cold weather.

#Weather#frost#cold#Freeze

9. Use a “Throwback Thursday” or Highlight a Past Event

ExamplePhoto CommentOne year ago today, Delmont, SD was impacted by an EF2 tornado.

#Weather#Tornado#SouthDakota#SDWX

10. When in Doubt, Use the National Repository